A message sent out by the company's head office and delivered to those working in the Orange Arcade store said that anyone living in certain Sydney LGAs must be vaccinated with at least the first dose by August 30 in order to come to work.

This is in line with government regulations brought in last week that require essential workers in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, administrative and financial services sectors in 12 hotspot LGAs to have had their first dose of the vaccine if they are to work outside of their LGA.

And while there is no rule mandating this for regional areas such as Orange, it seems Harris Farm believes that could soon change.

A message read to the Orange staff said: "It is highly likely the government will implement this across other LGAs where therefore we highly recommend all our employees get vaccinated from Harris Farm.

"Please note, if you come to work from one of the LGAs (in Sydney) and don't have proof of having the first dose of vaccination you will be turned away and may be prosecuted by the police."

Harris Farm in Orange said they were unable to comment on this, but the company's co-CEO, Tristan Harris did issue a statement on the matter.

He said: "Harris Farm Markets is working hard to ensure the safety of its team and its customers. In line with Government advice, we are recommending that all employees get vaccinated.

"We will continue to update this guidance in line with the changes in government health advice."

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